This Loaded Cheesy Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole Give Me All The Comfort Food Love!
So you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for the whole family to gather around the dinner table. Look no further! So here’s a cheesy hashbrown casserole with chicken recipe that’s sheer comfort food bliss: Cheesy chicken and hashbrown casserole. Whether you’re preparing for a low-key family meal, meal prepping for the week, or having a drop-in party, this casserole is going to knock them dead.
In this complete guide, we are going to take you through what you need to know to make this delicious dish. From specific techniques and key ingredients to must-know cooking tricks and hit-home advice, we have you covered.
Why You Should Make Cheesy Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole
A well-shaped casserole just has something to it that is super satisfying. This perfect mix of flavours, textures, and convenience makes it a staple in many households. Our Cheesy Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole is unique for so many reasons:
- Creamy, Cheesy, and Soupy: This one combines tender chicken and crispy hashbrowns in the cream-and-cheese sauce of the gods.
- Quick to make: This can be made a little quicker using pre-cooked chicken and frozen hashbrowns.
- Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners and potlucks, or just as leftovers.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re a homecook veteran or you steam vegetables in a microwave (no shame in this one), this is an easy recipe that delivers a crowd-pleasing result on every occasion.
Delicious Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delectable casserole, gather the following ingredients. We’ve also included some high-CPC keywords to help this post rank better in search engines:
Casserole Ingredients
- 20 ounces frozen hashbrowns: Opt for a quality brand for the best texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor.
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- 4 large green onions, sliced: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- 2 cups sour cream: provides creaminess and tang.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: A staple for creamy casseroles.
- ½ cup milk (1%): Balances the richness of the sour cream and soup.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Topping Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed corn flakes: Adds a delightful crunch to the casserole.
- 4 tablespoons melted butter: Helps the cornflakes crisp up beautifully.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect Cheesy Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole:
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Temperature: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Tip: Preheating ensures even cooking and a golden brown topping.
2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add 20 ounces of frozen hashbrowns.
- Mix in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken, and 4 large sliced green onions.
Mix the creamy base:
- In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of sour cream, 10.5 ounces of cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Combine Mixtures:
- Pour the creamy mixture over the hashbrown and chicken mixture.
- Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Prepare the baking pan:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the mixture:
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread it into an even layer to ensure uniform cooking.
4. Add the Crunchy Topping
Crush the Corn Flakes:
- In a small mixing bowl, place 2 cups of corn flakes and crush them slightly for a varied texture.
Mix with butter:
- Add 4 tablespoons of melted butter to the crushed corn flakes.
- Stir until the cornflakes are well coated with butter.
Top the casserole:
- Evenly sprinkle the buttery corn flakes over the top of the casserole mixture.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Cooking Time: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake for: 1 hour or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
•Tip: For an extra crispy topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
6. Let It Rest and Serve
- Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Serving: Slice into portions and serve hot.
7. Storage and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
Understanding the time commitment and portion sizes helps in planning your meals effectively. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 generous servings
Time-Saving Tips
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie or leftover chicken.
- Frozen Hashbrowns: No need to thaw; just measure out the required amount.
- Pre-Shredded Cheese: While freshly shredded cheese tastes better, pre-shredded can significantly cut down prep time.
